Clare Valley is a famous Australian wine-growing region thanks to its well-known Rieslings, among the best white wines in the world.
Inside South-Australia, Clare Valley is 100 kilometres north of Adelaïde, on the Mount Lofty Ranges area. The region has an impressive range of distinct terroirs thanks its hillsides, windy plateau and valleys. Most of the vineyards are elevated between 400 and 500 meters of altitude. The distinctive wines are made thanks to the wide array of soils composites - alluvial, limestone, rocks and sandy loam- and the sun exposure.
The conditions are overall warm, with a few cooler areas cause by the sea winds or the height. The cool nights in the valley bring important diurnal temperature range.
The terroir is optimal for white varieties thanks to the cool breezes on the higher vineyards. Clare Valley's wine sector is old dating back to the beginning of the nineteenth century. Nowadays, the big wine companies are alongside the small family estates.
Main grape varieties in Clare Valley
Riesling is Clare Valley's speciality with a production of dry white wines. They have a strong acidity and citrusy flavors. A few have notes of ripe citrus and toasted bread. The Polish Hill River wines are particular in their strong minerality. The best Rieslings come traditionally from Watervale and can age five more years than the classic ones. The best vintages from Clare Valley can age for twenty years.
Semillon wines are deeply appreciated for their honeyed notes.
With the warm climate, the red varieties can blossom in the Clare Valley. The producers make great structured and powerful red wines with Syrah. Cabernet Sauvignon can be used to produce excellent fruit-driven wines.
Best producers in Clare Valley
Jim Barry Wines and Grosset make the best wines of the Clare Valley.
